|
|
|
No. 1 in the U.S. ... not something to be proud of
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports across Missouri methamphetamine laboratory incident seizures totaled 1,960 during 2010, a 10 percent increase from 2009, and a 53 percent increase from 2007, when 1,285 methamphetamine laboratory incident seizures occurred in the state.
“Once again, Missouri has the unfortunate distinction of being the leader in meth lab seizures, despite the hard work of the state’s drug task forces and all law enforcement,” said Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Meth is a deadly drug, with dangerous consequences for all Missouri communities, including increasing other criminal activity, and endangering the children who grow up in residences where meth is produced and used.”
Missouri saw a drop in the number of meth lab seizures in 2006, after anti-meth lab legislation was enacted. However, from 2007 to 2010, the number of meth lab incidents in Missouri has steadily increased. This rise can be attributed to meth manufacturers circumventing laws that restrict the legal limit purchase of pseudoephedrine.
Pseudoephedrine is the key ingredient used to make meth. It is also the only ingredient that cannot be substituted in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Methamphetamine laboratory incident seizures are classified into three categories: operational/nonoperational labs, chemical/glassware/equipment seizures, and lab dump sites. All law enforcement agencies in the state are required to report the seizure of methamphetamine laboratories to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The Patrol then enters Missouri’s seizures into the National Clandestine Laboratory Seizure System, which is maintained by the Drug Enforcement Administration at the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) in El Paso, Texas.
No. 1 in the U.S. ... not something to be proud of
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports across Missouri methamphetamine laboratory incident seizures totaled 1,960 during 2010, a 10 percent increase from 2009, and a 53 percent increase from 2007, when 1,285 methamphetamine laboratory incident seizures occurred in the state.
“Once again, Missouri has the unfortunate distinction of being the leader in meth lab seizures, despite the hard work of the state’s drug task forces and all law enforcement,” said Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Meth is a deadly drug, with dangerous consequences for all Missouri communities, including increasing other criminal activity, and endangering the children who grow up in residences where meth is produced and used.”
Missouri saw a drop in the number of meth lab seizures in 2006, after anti-meth lab legislation was enacted. However, from 2007 to 2010, the number of meth lab incidents in Missouri has steadily increased. This rise can be attributed to meth manufacturers circumventing laws that restrict the legal limit purchase of pseudoephedrine.
Pseudoephedrine is the key ingredient used to make meth. It is also the only ingredient that cannot be substituted in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Methamphetamine laboratory incident seizures are classified into three categories: operational/nonoperational labs, chemical/glassware/equipment seizures, and lab dump sites. All law enforcement agencies in the state are required to report the seizure of methamphetamine laboratories to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The Patrol then enters Missouri’s seizures into the National Clandestine Laboratory Seizure System, which is maintained by the Drug Enforcement Administration at the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) in El Paso, Texas.
